Once the holidays pass, the winter blues are real. It seems like winter will never end when we’re sitting through the short and (usually) gloomy days of January and February. Add COVID-19 quarantine restrictions and it could feel like an even longer winter.

The key, however, to feeling more energetic can be as simple as the food that you eat or serve your loved one that you are caring for. Centers Choice Home Care has a look at five foods that can leave you feeling energized throughout the winter months.

  • Veggie Omelet

Overloading on bad carbs (bagels, muffins, some cereals) for breakfast can get your day off to a sluggish start. Look for protein instead, and making a veggie omelet will definitely pack the protein punch necessary to fuel your morning and get you to lunch without having to snack to stay awake.

  • Coffee Banana Smoothie

If you enjoy smoothies but also need your caffeine fix, why not combine the two? Here’s a recipe that combines coffee and bananas, so you get plenty of nutrients and some extra alertness from the coffee.

  • Quinoa Bowls

Opt for whole grains instead of refined ones (white rice), and quinoa is one of your best bets in this department. You’ll digest these carbs slower, giving you energy for a longer period of time, plus they are loaded with fiber and protein.

  • Salmon Salad Sandwich

You’ve probably made tuna salad sandwiches but try salmon salad instead. Canned salmon has more vitamin D than any other food besides cod liver oil, and many people are vitamin D deficient, especially in the winter months when sunlight is at a premium. Research shows there’s a link between vitamin D deficiency and fatigue. 

  • Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

This simple snack is packed with magnesium, which regulates several processes in your body, including energy production. As an added bonus, an ounce of pumpkin seeds contain eight grams of protein.

To learn more about Centers Choice Home Care and all the services they offer, visit CentersChoice.com.